By Peter Geppert
Madison, WI – August 6, 2012. A stellar 8.0 inning, one run performance by Mallards starter Daniel Gibson (Florida) beat out a slightly less stellar 7.2 inning, two run outing by Chinooks starter Nick Soldano (North Park) to secure a 2-1 Madison Mallards (19-10, 35-29) win over the Lakeshore Chinooks (15-14, 32-32). With the victory the Mallards evened up the five game series at a game each.
The Mallards picked their only two runs of the game in the first inning with a pair of big hits from their top two producers. Right fielder Tyler Marincov (North Florida) led off the game with a solo blast to center, his 13th of the season. First baseman Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Illinois) added the second run of the frame with an RBI double that scored third baseman Nicholas Howard (Virginia) from first.
Gibson (4-3) kept the Chinooks off of the scoreboard until the seventh inning, when a solo homer to right by designated hitter Connor Lynch (Georgia Tech) cut the Chinooks deficit in half.
Lynch would be unable to deliver in the ninth inning though as he struck out swinging with a runner on third to Mallards closer John Hamilton (UNC-Charlotte) to end the game.
Gibson picked up his fourth win of the season tonight, striking out seven while giving up one run on five hits through 8.0 innings.
Soldano (5-4) was the hard luck loser for the Chinooks, giving up two runs on six hits and three walks in 7.2 innings of work.
News and Notes:
Gibson’s outing tonight tied teammate Matt LaMothe (Georgia State) for the longest outing of the season by a Mallards starter.
Hamilton continued his perfection from the mound tonight with his 12th save in 12 opportunities.
Tonight’s attendance was 6,720.
Up Next:
The Mallards continue their five game series with the Chinooks tomorrow at Kapco Park in Mequon. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
